Special Needs Programs

Additional Resources

Families of children with physical or developmental disabilities may experience difficulty finding child care, therapy or afterschool programs that meet their child's special needs. The Jacksonville Children's Commission supports programs that specifically address the needs of these families and children; child care assistance and respite care are also available.

DLC Nurse and Learn4101-1 College St.
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(904) 387-0370www.dlcnl.orgAt DLC (Developmental Learning Centers) Nurse and Learn, nurses and therapists provide early learning and afterschool programs for children birth to 21 who have complex developmental and physical disabilities.

Hope Haven BASICS4600 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 346-5100www.hope-haven.orgThe BASICS (Building Adaptable Skills and Increasing Capacity for Self-sufficiency) program offers youth and young adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities a safe and productive afterschool environment. The program models positive youth development, teaching students about goal setting, appropriate social interactions and communication, health and hygiene, nutrition and cooking, money and time management, personal safety, leisure pursuits and independent living skills. The program operates every day that Duval County schools are in session, and spring break, winter break and non-school holiday sessions are also offered.

New Heights of Northeast Florida — Developmental Services
3311 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 396-1462www.cpnef.orgThis program provides developmental, speech, physical, and occupational therapies for children with developmental disabilities. Services are provided in the child's home, at a community child care location, or at the agency. Respite care is also provided by trained caregivers so the child's parents or primary caregiver can take a temporary break to attend to personal or business needs.